Dogfish Head Pangaea

As it turns out I have 1 pint and 9.6 fluid ounces of pure Dogfish Head staring me in the face right now. The colossal beer I’m about to embark on is known as Pangaea. Skipping over a potential debate regarding evolution, let me just say that the idea behind this beer is rather interesting. Inspired by a pre-historic video, Sam Calagione thought up a brew that utilizes ingredients from every continent.

They are:

Crystallized ginger from Australia

Water from Antarctica

Basmati rice from Asia (a longer, more fragrant variety of rice)

South American quinoa (a grain-like crop with edible seeds)

North American maize

Muscavado sugar from Africa (unrefined juice of sugar cane)

European yeast

These seven ingredients are combined and fermented to create a palate pleasing brew. It slightly hazy, but golden honey in color like Midas Touch. The head built to a nice white foam then settled. There is a consistent stream of bubbles that livens the mouthfeel and provides some lacing on the glass.

In regards to the aroma I have to admit the only one I could pick out at first was the ginger. This was due to the fact that it was a familiar ingredient. It was not a spicy ginger as found in Asian cuisine, but rather a lighter sugary interpretation due to it crystallization. After some time of taking repeated sniffs Pangaea produced a flowery honey mild alcoholic nose. It was rather mead-like with a pinch of ginger zest. I pick up some malts/adjuncts along with earthy notes. The hops were not apparent.

The taste was excellent. While it was cold I drank a quick pints worth. Maybe the Antarctic water had something to do with it, but the cold factor made it crisp and cleaning. As the brew warmed up it become sugary and sticky on the lips and palate (not that it was a bad thing). There was a smooth refreshing finish from the ginger, but it was different than Left Hand’s JuJu Ginger. I chalk this up to the fact that it complimented the other ingredients instead of standing out as the highlighted flavor.

Grab a bottle and travel the world in one sitting. Make sure you share this with friends as it is served in a big bottle and the 7.0% ABV might sneak up on you.